Office of the State Fire Marshal
State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy
Acting Captain Rob Huss
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
May 16, 2012
Contact:
Acting Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Barbara McMullen
Phone:
(360) 596-3911
E-mail:
Barbara.McMullen@wsp.wa.gov
Twitter:
@wafiremarshal
Fire Safety for Recreational Vehicles and Travel Trailers
The sun has finally arrived, school is almost out, and there are many families starting to enjoy the outdoors on camping trips. “Campers are reminded that fire safety needs to be a priority when vacationing in a recreational vehicle (RV) or travel trailer,” says State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy.
The following fire safety tips are designed to help keep campers safe:
Install & maintain fire safety equipment
- Install and maintain a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector which are listed for use in a RV. Test alarm/detector regularly and replace batteries at least once a year or as needed.
- Install and maintain a fire extinguisher near exits (10 B:C for RV & 5 B:C for travel trailers).
Create & practice an evacuation plan
- Develop & practice an evacuation plan that identifies every exit.
- Ensure every occupant is familiar with the operation of all latches of doors and windows.
Cooking appliances should not be used in place of heating equipment
- Only use cooking appliances for heating food. Avoid using cooking appliances for heating.
- When using cooking appliances, properly ventilate the space by opening a window, and using overhead vents or an exhaust fan.
Maintain clearance from heat sources
- Keep combustibles such as cushions, bedding, clothing, and paper away from heat sources.
- Space is limited in RVs and travel trailers, so take extra time to ensure clearance is maintained.
“When creating camping memories, don’t forget to be fire safe,” adds State Fire Marshal Duffy.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is a Bureau of the Washington State Patrol, providing fire and life safety services to the citizens of Washington State including inspections of state licensed facilities, plan review of school construction projects, licensing of fire sprinkler contractors and pyrotechnic operators, training Washington State’s firefighters, and collecting emergency response data.###
